How to Hang Artwork: A Quick Guide
Hanging a painting with intentionality and care in your home brings out the best of your artwork. I also think it invites conversation with family and friends when they visit.
This is where the importance of knowing how to properly display your artwork comes in. I wanted to share some simple ideas and advice on how to display your painting so you can appreciate it in your home and allow others to do the same.
Framed vs. Unframed
To frame or not to frame an original painting? This is a big debate—well, not really. Both options can be beautiful! Opting for a frame is usually my preference, but every now and then I’ll prefer a piece unframed.
What’s great about framing is that you have flexibility to adapt your style as your home evolves. My work ventures heavily into very ethereal landscapes, so it feels lovely and hemmed in when framed. Even a painting that I’m a little tired of can immediately feel finished and refined when it’s all framed up.
Framing Styles
When it comes to your framing style, there are so many options. While a simple black frame was once the standard there are a million more to choose from… I tend to lean towards thin-line contemporary float frames in natural wood tones like red oak and sometimes white depending on the artwork.
Note: a float frame is an open face frame (with no glass). The artwork is typically installed with 1/2 – 1/4 in. of “float” space between the artwork and the frame edge which gives a “floating” appearance.
Clients have been asking about my framing preferences since 2015. And it’s always been something I hired out until I met my husband, Cody. He has a woodworking background, so we began to work out our own custom float-frame design a few years ago, and we’re now thrilled to be able to offer beautiful oak float frames for all of my pieces. You can see more info on our frames + order a sample here.
If I’m looking for something a little different, my favorite way to test styles is to visit a local frame shop. Any art supply store like Jerry’s Artarama, or Plaza Art (two of my Nashville favorites) typically have a framer on staff, so you can bring your piece in to compare different styles before you buy. And you can sometimes catch a great sale at big box stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby which have pretty huge frame sections.
The Unframed Look
If you decide you want to display your piece unframed, it’s important to consider a few key things. First, take a look at the back of your artwork. Many unframed paintings will have a wire for hanging or a sawtooth picture hanger on the back.
Framed or unframed, we almost always wire my work for hanging. Below is a quick illustration of how we tie a knot when we “wire” a piece. This is the knot we live and die by in my studio—it’s a little tricky, but I promise you’ll feel like a pro if you get it right! We always give clients an extra bit of wire when their pieces are delivered just in case it ever needs to be rewired. Getting (and keeping) the wire tautness just right is an art in itself…
Consider the edges of your artwork as well if you are going the unframed route. Most of my work has edges that are cleaned up and painted white. However, if you prefer to see a bit of the process and want the messy edges kept intact, be sure to mention that when buying or commissioning a piece. I’ll often clean up the edges after the work sells or before a commission gets shipped.
Hanging Your Artwork
So you’ve decided to frame (or not to frame) your painting, and now it’s time to hang it. How do you approach that big blank wall in your room? First, figure out where you want it. I’m a fan of centering pieces at a height of 57 inches or so from the floor, which is about eye level for the average person. Play around with it a bit, especially for large pieces. I usually prefer a piece a little lower than too high.
Here’s a helpful formula: 1/2 h + 57”– d = nail height
h = height of the artwork
d = drop, the distance between top of the artwork to the wire or hanging hardware.
If you’re wanting to hang your artwork above a couch or a piece of furniture, don’t let the artwork soar TOO high above your furniture. Usually 4-10 inches above the furniture is ideal.
Of course, you can get creative with it! I love breaking the rules. Fitting a piece above a doorway can be really cool, for example. I’ve put my work all over the walls of my studio in the past and it can really be fun if your heart’s in it.
Once you’ve found a place for your painting, make sure you use the right nail or hook to hang the painting on. My favorite hooks for hanging on drywall (when I can’t access a stud) are called Monkey Hooks. They make the process so easy and there’s no need for a hammer or drill. In most cases for heavier or larger work, it’s super important to use a stud finder so you can anchor your piece.
What if you don’t want to actually hang up your artwork?
If you are not up for hanging your artwork directly on the wall, there are some other fun ways to display it:
Invest in a picture ledge. A picture ledge is just a small shelf. Yes, you’ll have to install it, but it’ll be an easy surface for changing out artwork or layering pieces.
Install a picture rail. This requires a bit more commitment, but works great if you want flexibility to move artwork around without making holes. A picture rail can be super handy in older homes with plaster walls.
Place artwork on top of a piece of furniture and lean it against the wall. I do this on my own dresser with a 30x36” painting.
Place extra-large artwork directly on the ground and lean it against the wall. Ideally in a low-traffic area.
Place artwork on top of a stack of large books—on the floor or on top of piece of furniture.
I’d love to know your favorite way to display artwork in your home. Please let me know if you have any questions!
